The first phase of construction will consist of a full capital build-out of the area just past the northern terminus of the current High Line park as well as the temporary walkway on the western stretch of the elevated railway. Construction on the first phase will officially begin in late October with the removal of the rail tracks and ballast, waterproofing the elevated rail structure, and stripping and painting of the steel.

“Today we celebrate a major step toward completing our vision of turning the entire High Line into a one-of-a-kind public park,” said Mayor Bloomberg of the commencement of the elevated park’s final section. “The park has become a local treasure and an international icon, as well as an important generator of economic growth for our city. In the decades to come, long after the final section is open to the public, the High Line will serve as a profound reminder of the extraordinary things we can achieve when the public and private sectors work together for the common good.”

While the final section of the High Line is anticipated to look like this as soon as 2014, the stretch of train tracks is currently overgrown with weeds and wildflowers – a sight in itself to behold. New Yorkers interested in witnessing this more natural state of the High Line at the Rail Yards are in luck however as Friends of the High Line, with support from UNIQLO, will be offering tours throughout October.

Free tickets for these “Rail Yards Weekend” tours will be available for October 12th and 13th through the High Line’s website. However, if you can’t wait that long, there will also be $5 sneak previews from 12pm to 4pm on October 6 and 7 for $5 through Open House New York. Reservations will be required for the free October 12th and 13th weekend are required and can be made through the Friends of the High Line event calendar beginning at 12:00 noon on Thursday, September 27.